​Tips for Camellia Planting Success

Select a Location

Check the care tag to find the appropriate amount of sunlight for your variety. Traditionally, Camellias will grow best with partial
filtered shade, or morning sun with afternoon shade. The soil in the ideal
location should drain well, if not, plan
to dig the hole for your new camellia 3-4 times larger than the pot and using a
well-drained garden soil to back fill the hole to make sure that plant is receiving
adequate drainage. Poor drainage can lead to root rot and disease.

Groundwork: Soil Prep

To make sure your new camellia is going to thrive, you want
to make sure that you will be planting in slightly acidic soil. The
Ideal PH range is from 6.0 to 6.5, but lower PH’s can potentially be tolerated.

We recommend using a well-drained garden soil mixed in with
your native soil (If you have nice soil in your location) to back fill the hole
when planting. You can also consider adding compost, peat moss, and manure
which can help improve your soils’ fertility and drainage.

When to Plant

Fall through early spring are considered the ideal time to
plant camellias, but they can be planted throughout the year as long as adequate
care is provided for the new plants. Be sure, though, to avoid to planting when harsh freezing conditions are expected.

Planting Steps:

Water your Camellia thoroughly before starting

Begin by digging the hole 2-x times larger than
the root ball

Remove the plant from the container and tease
the root ball loosening the roots

You want the top of the root ball to be slightly
above the soil level(approx. 1/4-1/2 inch)

Fill in around the plant with your mixture of
well drained garden soil and organic matter of choice

Add mulch to help regulated moisture

Water 2-3 times per week until established, then
once a week as needed in dry conditions

Fertilize with a well-balance fertilizer that is
formulated for acid loving plants to keep your Camellias well fed(Repeat annually
or biannually)

Pruning

Camellias should be pruned and shaped after their blooming
season in late winter-early spring. Pruning will help keep the desired shape
and form and encourage more fullness